Search on after East Washington woman, 71, reported missing

WASHINGTON — Police are asking for the public's assistance in finding 71-year-old Lorraine "Laurie" Blakney of East Washington, whose family has reported her missing and fears for her safety.

According to a press release, the woman is five feet tall with a slight build, and weighs about 115 pounds. She has shoulder-length, white hair and usually wears a black cape and flowing dresses in a style such as Amish and Mennonite women wear.

Police said Blakney's family told authorities she recently learned she was not allowed to return to a religious mission for children in Ethiopia because of changes in her mental acuity.

On Thursday, police said, she burned some personal effects and told her son to "prepare to carry out instructions that were in place for her passing."

She then left the house and secured the door so that her family was delayed in getting out. So it was unclear whether she left on foot or was picked up by someone, police said.

Anyone with information regarding Blakney's whereabouts and condition is asked to call Washington police at 495-3233.